The international expert panel evaluating the performance of scientific institutions has awarded the Latvian Institute of Hydroecology (LHEI) the high rating of “very good”.
LHEI Recognized as a Leading Research Centre for the Baltic Sea and a Strong Regional Player in International Evaluation
The international expert panel evaluating the performance of scientific institutions has awarded the Latvian Institute of Hydroecology (LHEI) the high rating of “very good” (4 out of 5 points), describing it as a strong international player in the field of water and marine ecology. The experts emphasize that the institute is the national leader and internationally competitive in both fundamental and applied research on Baltic Sea ecosystems, providing high-level scientific expertise essential for the management of complex ecological processes.
LHEI demonstrates excellent research quality and efficiency, as evidenced by the fact that 72% of the institute’s publications appear in the world’s most prestigious Q1-level scientific journals. The institute’s scientific impact significantly exceeds global averages, and more than 15% of its research outputs rank among the top 10% most-cited works in their field. The experts particularly highlight LHEI’s leading role in topical areas such as microplastic pollution research, marine spatial planning, and innovative methods for lake restoration using macroalgae cultivation for nutrient uptake.
The institute has achieved outstanding results in public outreach and science communication. In 2024 alone, it organized 73 various events, including participation in festivals, exhibitions, and “citizen science” projects such as “Plastic Pirates”, which help raise public awareness of environmental protection. LHEI scientists play a significant role in shaping national policy by providing data and expertise for the development of national regulations on invasive species and the sustainable use of marine resources.
The report highlights the institute’s high development potential, noting that it is capable of attracting substantial funding from international projects and commercial services. At the same time, the experts point out the need to continue investing in modern laboratory infrastructure and to strategically develop new research directions. LHEI’s future vision is closely linked to the development of the “blue bioeconomy” and the preservation of Baltic Sea region ecosystems for future generations.
This evaluation is part of the International Assessment of Scientific Institutions completed in March 2026, which in the field of natural sciences was carried out by an independent expert group led by Professor Krikor Ozanyan in cooperation with the international consultancy company “Technopolis Group”. The study analyzed the performance of all Latvian scientific institutions, including the Latvian Institute of Hydroecology as one of the six scientific institutes in the natural sciences sector. Based on document analysis and on-site visits, the experts evaluated each institution according to six key criteria: research quality, impact on the scientific field, economic and social impact, as well as the research environment and development potential. This process is important to provide objective, internationally standardized information to policymakers and to help institutions identify areas for improvement, thereby promoting their global competitiveness and growth.
